You might want to double take when you see a Viking longship making its way down a Grimsby river soon.
However, don’t be alarmed, the boat will be travelling down the River Haven near the town centre to give people a sneak peak into what they can expect at this year’s Grim Falfest. In its first outing last year, it attracted 22,000 visitors from far and wide telling the story of how Grimsby got its name.
The legend states that a Danish fisherman called Grim rescued a young Prince of Denmark called Havelock from the sea in the ninth century. Prince Havelock was put in a sack by Hodolf who claimed the throne for himself after defeating Havelock’s father in battle.
Determined to stop the young prince from reclaiming the throne, he put him in a sack and asked a trader by the name of Grim to dispose of it. Not knowing what was inside the sack, Grim made his regular journey from Denmark to Lincolnshire.
After discovering what was in the sack, Grim made haste to Lincolnshire after refusing to “dispose” of Havelock. In the following years, the pair began a new life in the area they took haven, known today as Grimsby. Havelock eventually moved to Lincoln before returning to his homeland to regain the crown while Grim lived out his years in Grimsby with wife Leva.
Retelling the story, actors and performance artists will take part in battle re-enactments and exhibitions across the town from Friday, 8 September to Sunday, 10 September. The weekend’s events will kick off with Grim’s arrival, signifying the start of the story.
(Image: Grimsby Live)
Following this will be a number of events including the opening of Grim and Havelock’s villages, accompanied by a range of local food and drink traders to keep people going throughout. However, before all this, the people of Grimsby will get a preview of what they can expect as the longship makes its maiden voyage.
In an exclusive event, the ship will travel down the River Haven, opposite Freshney Place, as organisers get ready for what is sure to be a spectacular weekend of events. Last year, it attracted 22,000 visitors with many taking part in warrior training, which is set to return.
On the Sunday, People’s Park will be transformed into Havelock’s home town full of battle re-enactments and a parade to signify the end of the event. For more information about what is on and where, click here.
